A few years ago, Jon and I purchased our home in Nevada. We found it amazing that even though the home wasn’t new, it had no landscaping in the backyard. Instead it had a few tons of river rock scattered about amongst a lot of dirt and crabgrass.
It took us about a year to wrestle the yard into some semblance of a backyard haven. Our plan included strategically placed planters and borders that would make the maintenance and upkeep of the yard fairly simple.
In the designated spaces, we carefully treated the ground. Put down plastic to prevent the grass from returning and selected plants that would thrive in our desert environment which consisted of lots of sun and very little water.
After the first year, our plan seemed to be working nicely. The planters were doing well. We had replaced a few plants that didn’t make it, but even that was an easy process.
Once the yard was in the “maintenance” mode, we shifted our attention to other projects. And just like that, trouble arrived in the form of a “volunteer” plant.
The Las Vegas valley is very windy and ornamental grass is a popular landscaping plant in our neighborhood. While we like the look of it, we never opted to plant it because I am very allergic to it. However, the wind had other plans. Doing what the wind does best, it decided to introduce some ornamental grass to our very organized flower bed.
Before we knew what was happening, we had a full grown ornamental grass plant taking over the entire planter. We tried cutting it back. We tried pulling it out. Every attempt was unsuccessful because it had taken root and as you know, the root is the life source of every plant. It’s through the root that the plant receives water and nourishment.
All through scripture we read about the importance of the root.
“For there is hope for a tree, When it is cut down, that it will sprout again,
And its shoots will not fail. “Though its roots grow old in the ground
And its stump dies in the dry soil, At the scent of water it will flourish
And put forth sprigs like a plant. Job 14:7-9
As long as there is life in the root, there will be life in the plant. This might be considered good news by most, but as with our ornamental grass, if we’re not paying attention, there are some undesirable things that can take root in our hearts and lives.
In teaching the disciples, Jesus warned them, “ But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what defile a person” Matthew 15:18-20
The writer of Hebrews also warns his readers, “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” (12:15)
For most Christ followers, avoiding these things seem like a no-brainer, but remember, we have an enemy who is out to destroy us. He’s very cunning and will use every trick in his book to separate us from God.
I have noted in past writings that Satan uses the same three areas in every attack on us. He used them in the Garden with Adam and Eve. He used them in the wilderness when he tempted Jesus. He uses them today on us.
The Lust of the Eye.
The Lust of the Flesh.
The Pride of Life.
Satan’s approach to us today, may not be as blatant as it was with Eve in the garden. Or even, as manipulative as it was with Jesus in the wilderness. But don’t fool yourselves. He’s still using those same tricks. Today, however, it may look more like a bigger house, the dream job, the corner office, the big bank account, a wrinkle free face and a nipped & tucked body, the perfect spouse, expensive car, or pushing our kids to be something they don’t want to be.
Yes, some of those things, in and of themselves are not bad. But if you’re not paying attention, their importance can take root in your life and your pursuit of them can lead to thoughts and feelings that will consume you.
Remember our planter? In order to bring it back to it’s former self, we will have to take some drastic steps. We will have to dig deep to remove the roots of the unwanted plants, then replant what we want to grow.
What has taken root in your spiritual garden? Do you find yourself chasing happiness? Do you live with discontentment, unforgiveness, bitterness, disappointment, anger, fear, jealousy, or envy, pride? If so, you have some spiritual gardening to do.
To save you the step of “googling” how to get rid of the unwanted plants in your spiritual garden, here are some verses to get you started in the right direction.
Confess your sin – 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Take Every Thought Captive - 2 Corinthians 10:5 “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
Forgive – Luke 6:37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
Learn to Love – 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”
Trust God – Proverbs: 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Prioritize - Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Gardening of any kind takes commitment. It requires attention and care and when ignored, it takes drastic steps to get it back in line. Don’t ignore your spiritual garden. Take a regular inventory of what is planted to ensure that you have not picked up any unwanted volunteers.
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